Complaints of unclear advice on central formulary
Patients were confused about whether they had to pay the full cost of their drugs yesterday when the Central Drug Formulary started operating in public hospitals.
They criticised the Hospital Authority for failing to inform patients widely about the 69 drugs that will no longer be subsidised under the new policy.
North District Hospital was the first public hospital to implement the new policy, under which 1,273 drugs on the standard drug list will continue to be provided to patients at $10 per item for six months.
But 69 drugs have been classified as items to be self-financed by patients and are not covered by the safety net.
The drug formulary will be extended to all public hospitals in about four months.
North District Hospital yesterday set up an inquiry desk and a booth in the lobby and displayed posters and pamphlets to explain the rationale and workings of the Central Drug Formulary.
